Opatija info

Places to see in Opatija

Places to see in Opatija, things to do in Opatija Croatia

1. Angiolina park

The park was designed around 1845 and it took until 1860 to complete. They imported 159 unique plants species from around the world; none were indigenous to this climate, but adapted well. Most came form warm weather climates, and Ingicio Scarpa liked garden splendor. It covers 3.64 hectares. There were 60 separate sections in the gardens to stroll around. Now it is separated between some of the park by the villa, and the rest in front of Church St. Jacob.

2. Harbor views

The riva is the place all come to walk some of the 12 kilometers that they can take along the water edge. Near the center is a playground for kids, and a carnival type rides. Hundreds of people come out in the morning to walk and look.

3. Art Pavilion

Juraj Matija Sporer got this place named after him because in 1859 he suggested that Opatija should become a health resort and sea environment for relaxing. Inside are art gallery pieces for exhibition and for sale.

4. Madonna Statue

Madonna statue figure was first located on a rock where the Girl and the Sea Gull now are found. Madonna statue got destroyed either by a storm or Communists-conflict of what/which one. That monument was to watch over Count Kesselstatt and Countess Fries, who died in a storm near here. A safer place near St. Jacob church now protects the icon.

5. Girl and the Sea Gull

This is a name given the monument that stands out on a rock in the bay. The stone carved work was by Zvonco Car and put by the water in 1956. The theme behind this is theorized to be called a "Salute to the Sea Gull". ON this rock was the Madonna statue figure, but it got destroyed either by a storm or Communists-conflict of what/which one. That monument was to watch over Count Kesselstatt and Countess Fries, who died in a storm near here.

6. St. Jacob Church

This church was built in 1506, and is on a site of a former church from the 7th century. Sometime estimated around 12th century, a Benedictine abbey was built here, and the town name means "abbey". The church is said to be built on the abbey location. St. Jacob is a patron saint of many cultures, and a celebration for him is on July 25th. Some of the church expansion is form 16th century, and a renovation was completed in 1937.

7. Villa Angiolina

In 1844, Iginijo Scarpa came from Austria to build a monument to his deceased wife, aptly named Angiolina. Iginijo must have enjoyed it more since he was the one still living. He invited business associates and governmental people to come and stay there. That led to a surge of resort pleasures for those high style people. They liked the mild climate and placid Hvarner BAy. The villa is now a museum of Croatian Tourism.

8. Buildings of the 19th Century

There are so many intricate and detail art in the building styles, all in one place, almost a fairytale land if you like architecture, and statuary and elaborate decorations. After a surge of building hotels to attract many of the elite and wealthy to here, they also started to build their own palaces. This wave of building took place mostly 1880's to early 1900's.

9. Helios and Selena

Close to the bathing area and St Jacov's church, in a colourful small garden, the central fountain is a work of sculptor Hans Rathautsky in 1889.

10. The Town

There's a look of cleanliness and preservation in all the town, that invites you to compare the architectural influences of its most beautiful buildings. There's no sign of war, there's no sign of difficulties, it seems that locals love their town.